textproduct: Rapid City

KEY MESSAGES

- Widespread wind gusts of 45 to 55 mph with sporadic gusts of 60 mph expected across much of western SD this afternoon and evening.

- Widespread freezing temperatures expected overnight.

- Above average temperatures return for the weekend.

DISCUSSION

(This Evening Through Thursday) Issued at 1202 PM MDT Thu Oct 15 2026

Current upper air analysis shows upper trof axis draped across the Northern Plains. Attendant sfc front is pushing through the CWA with 3 hr pressure rises of 3-4 mb behind it. The pressure rises and cold air advection is supporting widespread gusty northwest winds, especially across the western SD plains. Stations across western SD have begun to report gusts of 45-55 mph, these winds should continue through this afternoon into late evening before diminishing overnight as the front exits the region. While a few gusts up to 60 mph are possible, the majority of gusts should be around 45 to 55 mph.

CAA and clearing skies will result in widespread freezing/sub- freezing temps tonight into Friday for much of the area. Freeze Warning remains in effect for most of the forecast area tonight into tomorrow morning.

Upper ridging builds over the western CONUS by Friday into this weekend. Expecting above average highs this weekend into early next week with elevated fire wx conditions. Next chances for precip arrive later next week as another trof deepens across the western US, though it's still too far out to determine any specifics about precip chances or timing.

AVIATION

(For the 18Z TAFS Through 18Z Friday) Issued At 1122 AM MDT Thu Oct 15 2026

VFR conditions are expected through the TAF period. Strong northwest wind gusts around 45kts are expected on the western SD plains through this evening.

UNR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES

SD...Wind Advisory until 11 PM MDT this evening for SDZ001-002- 012>014-026-030>032-041>043-072-073-077-078. Freeze Warning from 9 PM this evening to 9 AM MDT Friday for SDZ001-002-012>014-025>027-030>032-041>044-072>078. Wind Advisory until 4 AM CDT Friday for SDZ046-047-049. WY...Freeze Warning from 9 PM this evening to 9 AM MDT Friday for WYZ054>056-058>060.